It is called a skete because according to the Tradition of Mount Athos it is not possible that new monasteries are found, apart from those of the Byzantine period. It was built with the financing of the Russian Czars and many Russian monks lived ascetically there. Indeed, before the first world war, the skete was lived by about 700 monks. Today five Greek monks live there and have the responsibility for the resurgence of the skete and the maintenance of the icons and of the installations.
The central church of the skete is dedicated to Saint Andreas. It was built in 1867 according to the style of the monasteries of Athos. It is the biggest church in Athos with 30 m height and 60 m length. Golden crosses are extended from its domes. In the interior of the church are kept the bones of Saint Andrea.
Someone can also find in the skete the academy of Athos, a school for those who seek to become monks.